Aug. 16, 2011MAIOCCO ARCHIVE
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Matt MaioccoCSNBayArea.com
SANTA CLARA -- Based on his performance on the practice field the past two days, quarterback Alex Smith has widened his lead to be the 49ers' starter, coach Jim Harbaugh said Tuesday.Harbaugh has repeatedly stated that Smith is in the lead but he remains in competition with rookie Colin Kaepernick for the starting job. But after watching Smith practice on Monday and Tuesday, Harbaugh said the picture is coming into better focus.RELATED: 49ers camp report -- Smith hogs first-team reps
"There's some separation there," Harbaugh said. "Alex has done a fine job. But Kaep is doing a phenomenal job. He is going to be one heck of a talent and one heck of a player."

Harbaugh also emphasized that the 49ers are looking for a third quarterback behind Smith and Kaepernick. The club worked out Daunte Culpepper on Monday, but they have yet to sign him.MAIOCCO: How Culpepper would fit in with 49ers
The 49ers plan to look at some other available quarterbacks before making a decision, Harbaugh said.As for the possibility of Culpepper eventually signing with the 49ers, Harbaugh said, "I wouldn't rule that out."